The inky black/blue-colored 2015 Saint Joseph les Royes from the Courbis team was brought up in one-third each of new, once and twice-used barrels. It offers sensational notes of crème de cassis toasted bread, licorice and pen ink in a massive, rich, concentrated, layered style that is shocking in its depth and richness. It's a crazy good St Joseph.

Opaque ruby. Ripe dark berries, cherry liqueur, olive and pipe tobacco on the highly perfumed nose; a smoky element adds vivacity. Energetic blackberry, bitter cherry and violet pastille flavors show excellent clarity and a hint of licorice that builds with air. The smooth, smoke-tinged finish emphatically repeats the floral and licorice notes, and supple tannins build steadily while folding into the intense dark fruit.

An estate that readers need to have on their radar is that of Brothers Laurent and Dominique Courbis, in the village of Châteaubourg. The entire lineup is a treasure trove of quality wines, which can generally be found at reasonable prices

Dark red. The bouquet is wide, has a confident depth, notes of roast beef and prune, black berry jam present. The palate doesn’t hesitate, sets off on a well-ripened, compact path of black berry fruit, the fruit coming with a slightly “high” side. The tannins are munchy, gummy, and it ends on a note of tar. Has savoury qualities that will appeal. From 2019: it has work to do to fuse and then expand further.

The vintage 2015 is  the product of a hot, sunny, dry summer, with June and July being close to perfect. Things cooled down a bit in August. Many growers finished their harvest by the middle of September. Based on the weather, growing season and harvest, it looks like there is going to be a lot to like about the 2015 Northern Rhone Valley wines as all the information points to this being an exceptional vintage well worth buying and cellaring.